MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Lynx star Maya Moore's availability for the upcoming season is uncertain.
Lynx coach and general manager Cheryl Reeve said Thursday that the team has been "in close contact" with Moore and together will decide how to handle her status for 2019.
Reeve's statement was issued in response to a report by Minneapolis TV station WCCO that said, without attribution, Moore was considering not playing for the Lynx this year. She was given the franchise tag this week by the team, preventing her from becoming a free agent.
WNBA players have exercised their right to terminate the current collective bargaining agreement after the 2019 season, cutting the deal short by two years and further muddying the future of the league's salary structure.
Moore's agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, wasn't available for comment.
The 29-year-old Moore took the winter off from international competition, citing a taxing 2018 season that saw the four-time WNBA champion Lynx ousted in the first round of the playoffs.
"I can't remember a year that has been as demanding as this one," Moore told ESPN in September. "Coming from overseas to the compressed season, which everybody witnessed was an unbelievably competitive and tough season, top to bottom.
"It's a sacrifice for the players who are currently competing, representing the U.S. right now; they are giving of themselves above and beyond this year. We do that every time we participate in multiple seasons every year, but this one especially. I'm hoping the players over there can stay healthy, enjoy it and do well."
Moore was the first overall pick in the 2011 draft. Since her arrival, the Lynx have made the playoffs every season, going to the WNBA Finals six times.
The Lynx, too, are in flux following the retirement of five-time All-Star point guard Lindsay Whalen. The two other core pieces of the team's dynasty that began in 2011 -- Seimone Augustus and Rebekkah Brunson -- are free agents.
Maya, the former UConn star, was the WNBA rookie of the year in 2011, the league MVP in 2014 and a five-time All-Star. Her career average is 18.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.